Evolving Man Project

Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s ‘Evolved Man of the Week’ profiles. Each week we will highlight an individual that embodies what it means to be an evolved man, famous and non-famous men alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the radio host, inventor, CEO and co-founder of WeWalk, Kursat Ceylan.

This electronic walking stick is revolutionizing the way that blind people can navigate the world.

As a means of protecting people from low-hanging objects and obstacles above chest level, the WeWalk smart cane uses ultrasonic sensors to warn the user of nearby hindrances through vibrations in the handle.

The cane can link with a smartphone’s Bluetooth system for easy control. It’s also integrated with Voice Assistant and Google Maps software. It can use built-in speakers to inform the user of nearby stores and infrastructural details that they may not be able to see.

WeWalk CEO and co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is also blind, told CNN that he helped to develop the cane out of a desire to use modern technology as a tool for the visually impaired.

He said that the smart walking stick, which was created in his home country of Turkey, has many features, such as giving a warning when the user comes across a barrier. The users can also send commands to their mobile phones via the smart cane. That allows them to answer their messages or navigate via GPS without even touching their mobile phones.

Stating that the project is still in the trial phase, Ceylan said the cane has all the necessary hardware for a personal voice assistant, including a microphone, speaker, compass, and Bluetooth.

Ceylan added that they are planning to add additional features by the feedback they will receive in the trial phase.

In April 2018, the WeWalk project won the Edison Award, one of the U.S.’ most prestigious awards in the innovation field.

Here is Ceylan in his own words and what lead him to the creation of the WeWalk Smart Cane.

“As a blind person, when I am at the Metro station I don’t know which is my exit … I don’t know which bus is approaching … [or] which stores are around me. That kind of information can be provided with the WeWalk.”

Today we honor Kursat Ceylan as our Evolved Man of the Week.